tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49517315850388096962014-10-06T19:42:09.666-07:00Places You Should Go. People You Should Know.I believe in community. In this blog I'd like to share with you people and places I have found that are noteworthy. It's important we all stay connected in this vast world of possibilities. Hopefully I'll see you around.Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-77898593614483231092012-08-18T06:42:00.001-07:002012-08-18T06:42:47.800-07:00Habaneros Restaurant<br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://assets.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">My affinity toward unassuming establishments is really part of a greater world view. &nbsp;I love to be surprised by life (in a good way). &nbsp;It's a person I've pegged to be one thing and turns out to be something else entirely or a place I thought was simply four walls, but come to find out, it's a labyrinth of possibilities. &nbsp;I love the Alice In Wonderland of life, but how does that relate to tacos?!<br /><a data-mce-href="http://www.habanerosmexican.com/" href="http://www.habanerosmexican.com/" style="color: #007bff;" target="_self" title="Habaneros">Habaneros</a>&nbsp;is one of those places I'd assume to be nothing to write home about. &nbsp;I'm so happy I was so wrong. &nbsp;Located off a side street in Hatfield, it's a small space with a handful of tables and flamboyant Mexican decor on the walls. &nbsp;I stumbled upon it on the internet in search of authentic, affordable mexican food and a BYOB. &nbsp;I struck gold at Habaneros.<br />I have never had a disappointing meal there. &nbsp;The atmosphere is casual. &nbsp;The bang for your buck is phenomenal and we always go in with a six pack or bottle of wine. &nbsp;Though, recently, they've started serving FREE MARGARITAS Monday through Thursday. They also offer a comprehensive Sunday brunch menu. &nbsp;This works out well for me since I prefer to say, "Buenos Dias Domingo." with Juevos Rancheros.<br />Let me clarify. &nbsp;There are two mexican restaurants I love: &nbsp;Tamarindos and Habaneros. &nbsp;Tamarindos is upscale, elegant, authentic cuisine derived from the Yucatan Peninsula area. &nbsp;It's moderately expensive and amazing. &nbsp;You either need a generally larger bank account than my own or a special occasion to go. Habaneros is none of those things. &nbsp;It's the place I go to when I want great mexican, a real environment and I don't want to feel the guilt of dropping a large chunk of change. &nbsp;So, if you're bank account and appetite looks anything like mine, you'll want to try this place out. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYvjV_BmPKk/UC-bxChIO1I/AAAAAAAAAKU/DIpzoELtBjg/s1600/July_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYvjV_BmPKk/UC-bxChIO1I/AAAAAAAAAKU/DIpzoELtBjg/s320/July_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>See photos of Habaneros <a href="http://kristenkiddphotography.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-58179506086259281432012-06-18T05:23:00.003-07:002012-06-18T05:24:12.288-07:00Color Me Rad Philadelphia 2012Yesterday I paid good money to run three miles, have people throw neon powder on me and I loved every minute of if. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.colormerad.com/">Color Me Rad</a> is a national race tour that's revels in the fun of it all. &nbsp;The course is the easy and ever popular Fairmont Park. &nbsp;The atmosphere is lighthearted and absent of an overly competitive vibe; &nbsp;making it a great bit of fun for anyone. &nbsp;There are walkers, runners, dogs, kids - this truly is a race for anyone. <br />My heart could've melted as fathers and offspring ran exuberantly through bombardments of pinks, blues, greens and yellows with blissful smiles on all faces. &nbsp;The sound of mom exclaiming to her young child, "More! More powder. &nbsp;Make sure you get it all over!", couldn't have made me (and that child) happier. &nbsp;Where and when else would these pint size kiddies be given carte blanche at making the mess of lifetime? <br />If you missed this race, be sure to catch it next year. &nbsp;Or, better yet, check out the national schedule and pop in on a friend in another town. &nbsp;Run the race together. &nbsp;If you're young at heart you will not be disappointed. &nbsp;Ataxophobes need not apply.<br /><br />Check out the portfolio at:<br /><a href="http://www.kristenkiddphotography.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">www.kristenkiddphotography.tumblr.com </a><br /><br />but wait, there's more. &nbsp;Don't miss the rest of series. &nbsp;You won't be disappointed...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristenlove/sets/72157630175239444/show/" target="_blank">Color Me Rad extended portfolio</a><br /><br /><br />Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-34802782197038390812011-09-19T04:26:00.000-07:002011-09-19T04:31:04.912-07:00Darling's Dinner At The Piazza At Schmidt's<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9i1-O_gky9g/TncnqRTRAyI/AAAAAAAAAKE/U1xThkFkevE/s1600/Sept_005.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9i1-O_gky9g/TncnqRTRAyI/AAAAAAAAAKE/U1xThkFkevE/s400/Sept_005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654031464339145506" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I suppose it was serendipity, divine providence or whatever you want to call it that brought Harry Arnold and myself together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All I know is, based solely on the value of the cheesecake involved; I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> About four years ago I was photographing a wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I struck up a jovial conversation with a very charming, very inebriated, voluptuous blonde who suggested a venue for my art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After explaining to me all about her significant other and his brother that owned two dainty café’s in Philadelphia called Darling’s, she exclaimed, “I’m The Darling!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She scrawled down the contact info slipped it to me and went about her merry way on the dance floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Between the two brother’s, Harry was my connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We worked together to assemble an art show on his walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Though a tiny place, it was a huge success. – almost too much of a success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Everyone came out to support, but not only that – to eat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After the show all I heard from friends, family and various others was, “That cheesecake was amazing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Best of Philly got it right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> So here we are in 2011 and as I walked through The Piazza a few months ago, my boyfriend and I were shocked and elated to see Harry has moved to the big times. Before us was a spacious well-equipped establishment with the words emblazoned on the doors, “Darling’s Diner”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Surrounded by glass on all sides, it stood like a large-scale version of the encasements that hold all those delicious cakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I made my inaugural visit this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was great to reconnect with the spirited Harry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He buzzes around welcoming and concocting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No task is too big or too small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>From my perch at the bar (which by the way is a full service bar), I watched him greet people at the door, assemble tables, supervise staff, bring out food, converse and, of course, give hi-fives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHj7viy1Fy8/TncnqsmUNQI/AAAAAAAAAKM/IzoI043hS0g/s400/Sept_009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654031471666803970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"> My sample of hearty, russet potato French fries was satisfyingly garnished with sea salt and a creamy dipping sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The hummus and pita bread, of which I am overwhelmingly picky, was in the same league as Wadif’s at Oasis restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Wadif’s is my measuring stick for hummus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, the fact that it’s even close means buy it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You won’t be disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The pumpkin cheesecake was appealing on many levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s creamy texture made me savor each bite and the subtlety of the pumpkin flavor gave it a lighter, airier taste, making it possible to complete the monstrosity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Darling’s is the kind of place that you’d stop in, expecting a diner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Don’t be mistaken, you’ll get that - complete with sandwiches, coleslaw, fries, and pies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yet, the brilliance behind Darling’s is that each dish has a garnish of flavor that sets it apart from your run of the mill diner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’ll find yourself asking, “is that (insert spice here) I taste?” in an unassuming dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Really, that goes beyond food – to the service, bar and overall atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> So, if you find yourself yearning for some diner food, but maybe you’d like a white Russian and one of the best cheesecakes you’ll ever eat in your life too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then stop by Darling’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-80353415369522282572011-09-15T04:05:00.000-07:002011-09-15T04:10:38.469-07:00James Vincent McMarrow @ Johnny Brenda's<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dH-OAOOtIOk/TnHc8Pnh37I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/LokDQOKjtKo/s1600/Sept_087.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dH-OAOOtIOk/TnHc8Pnh37I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/LokDQOKjtKo/s400/Sept_087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652541934869274546" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Last Thursday I made a weekday trek to Johnny Brenda’s for a late night show and regretted nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For those of you who aren’t familiar, <a href="http://www.johnnybrendas.com/">Johnny Brenda’s (J.B.)</a> is a small haven in the Northern Liberties/ Fishtown area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They serve up local brews, decent food, eclectic atmosphere and a steady rotation of brilliant, under-the-radar, affordable acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Thursday’s feature was an artist I’ve been more recently exposed to – the Dubliner, <a href="http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/">James Vincent McMarrow</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This singer/songwriter marries his haunting voice and lyrics in perfect folk union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His voice resembles some form of quasi-falsetto with a raspy quality that manages to carry itself beautifully and distinctly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This was his inaugural stop on his first American tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He came backed by a full band that displayed resounding vocal harmonies at the drop of a hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had not heard such perfect pitch from a live ensemble since I saw Neko Case last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When the entire band, with all their instruments, joined in; it was emotionally stirring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, it was also overpowering James’ voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He seemed to strain over it and be most comfortable with himself and the guitar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yet, I’m not convinced that wasn’t mostly the venue and/or the jet lag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This strain was in no way compromising to the show as a whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkg-XZe50Cs/TnHc8hZrLjI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/xtcjDmT0d60/s400/Sept_085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652541939643002418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>J.B. proved to be the perfect venue for McMarrow. It mirrored his display of unassuming intimacy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Definitely catch him on this tour, if you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My prediction is that he’ll develop a strong following this year and thus get the notoriety he deserves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Inevitably ticket prices will rise to uncomfortable heights and venues will be less intimate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s best to take advantage of this before that happens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-33488446914943878032011-09-03T20:33:00.000-07:002011-09-03T20:43:12.517-07:00North Wales Has A Brewery?!: Prism Brewery<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaL8CA3qKFE/TmLytyLDvDI/AAAAAAAAAJU/jDh1w9j4jLc/s1600/August2011_205.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaL8CA3qKFE/TmLytyLDvDI/AAAAAAAAAJU/jDh1w9j4jLc/s400/August2011_205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648343751052213298" /></a>
<br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Today I felt like Magellan or like Columbus… only lazier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I rolled over in bed this morning and reached for (as most of you probably do, but hate to admit it) the Internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was researching the Jenkintown Fest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It sounded like a hoot with a brew fest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was at this point that I made my sleepy-eyed discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Scrolling the list of participating brewers, what did I see? Prism Brewery (click <a href="http://prismbeer.com/">here</a> for a link to the site) of North Wales is participating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>North Wales has a brewery?!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I promise it was like the discovery of the Americas, 2.0.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are additional continents in the world? A few hundred years later – There’s beer being brewed within biking distance of me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How could I have not known this before today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>However, beer being brewed under one’s nose is a mute point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You and I both know the matter is whether <i>good</i><span style="font-style:normal"> beer is being brewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is, indeed, good beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I sampled all eight brews on tap and liked all but one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I simply didn’t like the sour (Sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s name illudes me at the moment) because I don’t care for that style and in no way did it reflect poor craftsmanship on the brewer’s part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Rob, the brew master, has taken the time to select unique ingredients that set his beers apart, but is careful to not bog down the taste buds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For instance, Par Tea marries a pale Ale and whole leaf tea. Bitto Honey is the flagship IPA that is infused, of course, with honey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For those of you looking for a little more meatiness to your suds; the Insana Stout tosses in a helping of bacon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Beyond taste the beer manages to attain a status of altruism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Two dollars of every pint of Chemosabe goes to help a local girl fight cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a solid brew, making it easy to toss back a couple and feel good about helping someone out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp5pe3sgHMg/TmLyt9Pe57I/AAAAAAAAAJc/qWS8Vhd7vUo/s400/August2011_200.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648343754023561138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Rob is proving to be a man with a clear vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jack: bartender, friend of Rob’s and comrade in business is a welcoming, down to earth addition to the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It all comes together well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Casual, intimate, fun and small are what Prism needs in a full service bar right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If they tried to pull off anything else more pretentious it would bomb in a second in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It just wouldn’t be relatable to the demographic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Walking in, I got the impression that this was the kind of place where people who know each other can come, have some beer, watch sports, listen to music, grab a well-made, cheap hot dog and shoot the shit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Really, isn’t that what most people want?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know you’re about to start singing the theme to Cheers any minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, just go straight to Prism, grab a growler and fill it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGPL25eXQHQ/TmLyuTfcF6I/AAAAAAAAAJk/qbZ5Td6Ysok/s1600/August2011_212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGPL25eXQHQ/TmLyuTfcF6I/AAAAAAAAAJk/qbZ5Td6Ysok/s400/August2011_212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648343759996065698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u>
<br /></u></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGPL25eXQHQ/TmLyuTfcF6I/AAAAAAAAAJk/qbZ5Td6Ysok/s1600/August2011_212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Getting There:</p><p class="MsoNormal">You’ll need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If there was one draw back to the brewery, it’s the lack of advertisement in the immediate area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I found it, but I was determined - on a mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I feel bad for all the local people missing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If only there was a sign on main street or even right outside of Dickerson.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know it’s a costly investment probably with some sort of bureaucratic red tape involving zoning, but I hope it’s high on the to do list.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3DD0UDhRQc/TmLyucQ2x8I/AAAAAAAAAJs/YpuP2NBTrlY/s400/August2011_213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648343762350819266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGPL25eXQHQ/TmLyuTfcF6I/AAAAAAAAAJk/qbZ5Td6Ysok/s1600/August2011_212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGPL25eXQHQ/TmLyuTfcF6I/AAAAAAAAAJk/qbZ5Td6Ysok/s1600/August2011_212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGPL25eXQHQ/TmLyuTfcF6I/AAAAAAAAAJk/qbZ5Td6Ysok/s1600/August2011_212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; ">
<br /></span></span></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-10040024454036813532011-06-25T16:10:00.000-07:002011-06-25T16:19:41.657-07:00Andrew Bird At the University of Michigan<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dnjy78o3xCQ/TgZsZpYAAfI/AAAAAAAAAI4/bpvrdaYnFzs/s1600/June2011_370.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dnjy78o3xCQ/TgZsZpYAAfI/AAAAAAAAAI4/bpvrdaYnFzs/s400/June2011_370.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622300372677689842" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">This weekend at the University of Michigan I was able to witness first hand the web weavings of <a href="http://www.andrewbird.net/">Andrew Bird</a>’s music and words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One listen to songs like Effigy or <a href="http://youtu.be/ySoOkE92KlY">Tenuousnes</a>s (click "tenuousness" to see a live performance) prove his status as a wordsmith.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, to fully appreciate his abilities as a composer, you simply must experience him live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His labyrinth of instruments and innovative sound effects truly are a journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Occasionally, he will confess his uncertainty of where the journey may take the listener and himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was a refreshing display of his modest stage presence amid such a plethora of talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His mistakes were shrugged off his own shoulders with a laugh that demonstrated the ability to balance taking his work seriously and taking himself less seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">During performances Bird swayed like a self-made metronome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He seemed to disappear so deeply into songs. It appeared he must split and multiply his brain in order to handle the many tasks he gave it as he layered, looped and built tracks note by note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is no band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s just Bird, a guitar, a violin, xylophone, and some sort of spinning phonograph on steroids, looping pedals, those whistling lips and simple, melodic voice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s overwhelming and at the same time soporific listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The layered song/ one-man show is common with many capable musicians of late (see Imogen Heap, Oh Land, Zoe Keating, etc.). However, he takes the effect to a higher plateau, evoking the Suzuki method of musical training he received (and I’m sure a collection of a million other factors that make him who he is) to rise above the conventional talent of a decent musician who knows how to work computerize equipment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When he comes to your area make the extra effort to experience Andrew Bird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Among any number of shows that it could be said are “good”, “great” or even “awesome”, his stands apart as a tapestry of sound and lyricism.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-43805572286209383762011-05-18T04:32:00.000-07:002011-05-18T15:56:28.867-07:00Punk Rock Flea Market.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trc4H8W7eV4/TdOzi18jpsI/AAAAAAAAAIM/yA_r2HRhd2w/s1600/PnkRckFleaMrkt_18Dec2010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608023372184397506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trc4H8W7eV4/TdOzi18jpsI/AAAAAAAAAIM/yA_r2HRhd2w/s320/PnkRckFleaMrkt_18Dec2010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Pull out your calendar. Check what's on your agenda for Sunday. Cross it off and go to the Punk<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608024045579563890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vAsOKTqDpY/TdO0KCiec3I/AAAAAAAAAIc/I6lcM9-BWbk/s200/PnkRckFleaMrkt_50Dec2010.JPG" border="0" /> Rock Flea Market (PRFM). There's no other way around it.Twice a year <a href="http://www.r5productions.com/event/33717/">R5 Productions</a> (the brains behind all those stellar shows at the First Unitarian Church) puts together a bazaar for the ages. Walls of vinyl, racks of vintage clothing, spreads of tasty goodies, droves of original artists and countless other nick knacks (and sometimes just plain junk) all squish together in one small space. <br /><div>I've been on both sides of the table at this event, both vending and buying. I can attest there's nothing like it. It's worth going solely based on the sheer quantity of eye candy. You can't round a corner without seeing some great purchase ahead or some stunning roughian who maybe hasn't showered in days, but still manages ,as little beads of sweat glisten down his/her shoulder (it can get hot in there), to look seductive.</div><br /><div>Last year I scored a turn table and speakers from a drunk merchant for $20. I've pillaged for a favorite $5 vintage skirt. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608024252137542402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHCg9ZsBido/TdO0WEBvEwI/AAAAAAAAAIk/96sibULleyQ/s200/PnkRckFleaMrkt_84Dec2010.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><div>Hungry? Grab a fifty cent vegan cup cake - or don't. Find the one vendor who refuses to go raw, vegan or whatever hipster food craze is going around and just makes one good ol' fashion pastry complete with butter, flour, and a ton of sugar for dirt cheap. I defy you walk in and walk out without procuring some </div><br /><div>treasure you'll hold dear for years to come. Go ahead. Try me. I'll see you there.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608024693479512930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIQz9w7achs/TdO0vwJ3G2I/AAAAAAAAAIs/hsttWwM6XNI/s200/PnkRckFleaMrkt_95Dec2010.JPG" border="0" />Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-70875062219893995612010-07-20T19:52:00.000-07:002010-07-20T20:21:00.583-07:00Jessie Hemmons: Yarn Bomber<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TEZkcb7HrCI/AAAAAAAAAHc/7uPoNo-ZVWs/s1600/July2010_167.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TEZkcb7HrCI/AAAAAAAAAHc/7uPoNo-ZVWs/s400/July2010_167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496190834947107874" /></a><br /><div>Jessie struggled to fit the design she'd labored on for close to a week over an unsuspecting trash can on Girard Avenue. The struggle was indicative to a deeper struggle within her - between her art and her self. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In her Philadelphia apartment Jessie put the finishing touches on her brightly colored rectangles of yarn while she explained her medium. “I was never good at drawing or painting, but I always loved street art, tagging and graffiti.”, She says, “I just can't imagine not yarnbombing.”. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>She got her start learning to knit from her grandmother and she recollects a course in knitting offered to safeties while growing up in her suburban community. Later, it was simply the boredom of commuting to work on the train that reignited an interest in knitting. She recounts that she had from motion sickness while reading. Knitting seemed like a reasonable solution that has now turned into an obsession. She rifles through her bag, tossing balls of yarn, a pair of sunglasses and a little black bag that most girls would keep lip gloss and tampons in, but Jessie stows a tiny pair of scissors, some loose thread and a knitting needle... just in case. The rest of her knitting skills she's obtained from books and articles that she's spliced together – a hodge podge of knowledge brought together much like her pieces.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Her deeper struggle is a great love for art of all kinds, a deep belief that it should be accessible to all people, and her reluctance to recognize herself as a true artist. In her respect for artists she feels there's a certain level of credential that's earned when one puts the time and effort into studying and mastering an art form. Jessie doesn't seem to feel she's done this, at least not in the conventional - art school - way. She shies away from directly associating herself in the realm of artists that surround her. Its an act of humility. She sees herself as just doing what she loves.</div><div>Hemmons does believe strongly that art should be equally accessible to all people and shine a light on those in lesser known communities. She has benefited recently from some notoriety over work done in Rittenhouse Square and similar areas. However, she winces at</div><div> terms like, “Hipster art”. Her true passions would carry her to vast projects. Ultimately, she dreams of covering a house in Kensington. “Wrap it up, like a present.”, she says. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TEZkdT0MNuI/AAAAAAAAAHk/yqWk8bswijE/s400/July2010_272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496190849950430946" /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>She struggles with the same issues as any artist: time, money, venue. She touts, “I never wanted it to be about money.”, which is part of the reason yarn is such a tangible medium. Yet, a vast project like a home or any structure costs a considerable amount of money</div><div> and time, which she's willing to invest, but wrestles with the logistics of. Until she figures those things out she continues doing what she simply can't stop doing.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">She pulls and tugs at the piece. She had measured the can she planned to adorn with the cozy, but had opted to post on a different trash can. It wasn't fitting. She was finally able to stitch the two sides together and weave a stitch around the top to ensure it didn't slide down. </span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TEZlqlXTc4I/AAAAAAAAAHs/xNfvspHdVOc/s400/July2010_296.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496192177511035778" /><div>Families get off the trolley.</div><div> A man stops to inquire as to why she'd ever spend all that time dressing up a trash can. </div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TEZlrHQloGI/AAAAAAAAAH0/6B5KHD_gnew/s400/July2010_339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496192186609672290" /><div>She steps back from her piece and declares, she's not happy. It just wasn't what she envisioned. Jessie holds her work to high standard. She stands north of it, west of it, walks away east of it and several times looks over her shoulder. Reaffirming herself then edging off, she says, “That'll do I guess. Next time I'll do that bus stop. I think that's part of my problem. I envision big things.”</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When Jessie dreams of covering a dilapidated home in south Philadelphia with yarn to beautify and shine a light on that community, she's reminding us all what it means to be an artist. Though she's reluctant to admit it, she is the core of a true artist. A true artist has no choice, but to do what they love, no matter the medium or venue. Conventionality mean little. Vision means everything.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For a slide show of photos from Jessie's great trash can yarn bomb, click on this link:</div><div><a href="http://web.mac.com/loveskidd/iWeb/JessieHemmonsYarnBomber/The%20Bombing.html">http://web.mac.com/loveskidd/iWeb/JessieHemmonsYarnBomber/The%20Bombing.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>For more information on yarnbombing visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.yarnbombing.com">www.yarnbombing.com</a></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-73851672148574615172010-07-05T06:19:00.000-07:002010-07-05T07:28:04.987-07:00Matt And Kim At The Piazza At Schmidts: Know Them. Go There.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TDHoVBtQf8I/AAAAAAAAAFA/MU141BEoAf0/s1600/July2010_032.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TDHoVBtQf8I/AAAAAAAAAFA/MU141BEoAf0/s320/July2010_032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490424868674502594" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You should know Matt and Kim. You should go to <a href="http://www.atthepiazza.com/events.html">The Piazza at Schmidt</a>s. And if you had known Matt and Kim at The Piazza then you were there with me July 3rd for the Radio 104.5 free show. If you were there, then there was simply no way you could have been disappointed. From Matt and Kim to the venue right down to the parking - you simply could not lose. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let's start with The Piazza. Bart Blatstein is the brains behind this endeavor which he described this way on the Piazza's website, " </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My dream was t</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o create a ‘five minute neighborhood’ where people live, shop, eat, work and play, all within a few city blocks. With all forms of public transit nearby, residents will have ever</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ything<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;"> they need at their fingertips enabling them to decrease their carbon footprints by never having to use a car.". The success was evident ubiquitously.</span></span></span></span></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TDHo4FP-iRI/AAAAAAAAAFI/UeQHl46_Fcc/s200/July2010_018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490425470920853778" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Bikes were tethered to posts, trees, racks, everything. People cluttered the shops and restaurants to have a piece of the buzzing, youthful and, honestly, just stunningly beautiful atmosphere (made mostly beautiful by the crowd with help from the architecture and artists.). Upscale trendsetters mingled with hippies of new</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> generation in shops featuring emerging artists, restaurants (with decadent to the palate, but attainable to the wallet dishes) and on street corners and in door ways. Th<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;">ere's no limit to what the eyes might take in there.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The piazza does feature something for everyone. Go to their website. Find a Phillies game on the big screen, a band you like, or peruse the market. Just go! Bike if can. Drive if you must. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TDHqJaCSQKI/AAAAAAAAAFY/n-qCW273T6c/s320/July2010_036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490426868069974178" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'd be lying if I said I have followed <a href="http://mattandkimmusic.com/">Matt and Kim'</a>s career - that my dedication to their body of work transcends time and</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> space. The truth would be more like, a friend of friend posted a blip about them on Facebook and mentioned the were coming to town. I checked out their work, immediately fell in love and decided to go see them. I had heard them on xpn and dog eared them in musical page of my brain. Upon the recollection and watching a couple of they're amazing and funny videos, I felt a kinship. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;">Matt and Kim feel like<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;"> your friends putting on a show in the basement. They fe</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;">el knowable, relatable, and like a hell of a lot of fun. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">They're enthusiasm is contagious.</span></span></b></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TDHqoMO3aBI/AAAAAAAAAFg/cs8jaow_3IM/s320/July2010_029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490427396940589074" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:arial, serif;">They're beats are simple, but hypnotic. They are ice cream, the carbonation in your favorite soda, and your favorite accessory (You don't wear it all the time, but when you do, you love it.). Even if you don't fall madly in love with Matt and Kim's music, you would likely fall in love with them. Their latest album, Grand is worth having in your musical catalogue. Include them in, If for nothing more than the perfect beat on a summer day when you have the windows down and you're stuck at that damn stoplight for the millionth time. Or as Bart Blatstein envisions, you're on your way to The Piazza on your bike with your ipod projecting the joy that is Matt and Kim.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TDHrkEA8R6I/AAAAAAAAAFo/fS6G13KCHrY/s200/July2010_024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490428425526855586" />Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-76790435209911089302010-06-13T07:32:00.000-07:002010-06-13T07:46:27.466-07:00Tabora Farms and Orchard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBTtOPLt6ZI/AAAAAAAAAEY/1sKt3_s9Luc/s1600/May2010_157.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBTtOPLt6ZI/AAAAAAAAAEY/1sKt3_s9Luc/s320/May2010_157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482267475266365842" /></a><br /><br /><div>At the first of June I longed to make a pilgrimage to my youth and harvest something straight from the earth. So, of course, I began (as one should with all things organic) with a google search. “Pick your own strawberries </div><div>19454” turned up a cornucopia of local</div><div> farms. I decided, being somewhat lazy in my pilgrimage (a bit of an oxymoron, I know), to start with the most local of local growers. Yet, between you and me, we'll say it was my deep hunger to support my domestic farmer and a drive to break the spell of oil addiction that led to this decision to call a farm in close by Chalfont. </div><div>I got the answering machine (which sounded like a bonafide, old time, circa, eighty-something, answering machine). It explained that they didn't offer strawberry picking anymore, but their neighbors at Tabora Farms and Orchard (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.taborafarmandorchard.com">www.tab</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.taborafarmandorchard.com">orafarmandorchard.com</a>) did. Soon, my husband and I found ourselves with a few dollars in cash, a giant blue bowl and well on our way to Tabora. Our journey took us past Peace Valley Park and Peace Valley Winery and finally to the farm.</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBTszAQn58I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zlmVyts3ybs/s200/May2010_136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482267007403943874" /><div>When we pulled up, hanging baskets and fresh plants filled the atmosphere. A few men sat on some casual lawn furniture and ate lunch. We walked the path to the front door passed flowers in baskets and couples in rocking chairs, to enter a heaven of homestead culinary beauty.</div><div>Snag a friend, spouse, family member or enemy and make your way to Tabora. They have produce growing year round. Pick a season and, well, pick.You had your farm staples: Pies, cookies, muffins, cakes, jams, etc.; but beyond that there was a fully furnished deli and produce section. Roasted chicken, fruits, veggies, and even home made ice cream (rosemary flavored? I don't know. You try it and let me know.) filled the small building. The chipper girl at the register directed us to the strawberry field.</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBTt0HdJKcI/AAAAAAAAAEo/GHg7BYDYPnA/s320/May2010_140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482268126027000258" /><div>My husband would advise you first and foremost to not do as your tempted and plop right down in front of the first bunch of strawberries y</div><div>ou see and start picking. Rather, walk all the way to the back of the field and work your way to the front. Most people don't even make</div><div> it to the back of the field. There's plenty for the picking there. Another helpful hint? Don't bring a giant blue bowl. They hand out little containers there. I know what you're thinking, “I'll be waste conscious and bring my own giant bowl.”. Trust me, you'll never be able to stop picking. You think you can stop any time? Wrong. You'll be chasing the strawberry dragon all day. So, do yourself a favor. Use their containers. One giant blue bowl later; we made our way to the check out, where despite the meager cost of $1.50 per pound, we didn't have enough cash to cover our excursion. Good thing an aunt had discovered this community treasure long before us, had stopped in to grab a few items and offered to cover our tab.</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBTuXi5D6EI/AAAAAAAAAEw/XauUiI0727I/s200/May2010_146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482268734687275074" /><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBTusW1Y4mI/AAAAAAAAAE4/f8QVZdu7MYk/s200/May2010_144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482269092227900002" /></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-53299333976741491462010-06-12T20:45:00.000-07:002010-06-12T21:07:23.319-07:00Doylestown: Moravian Tile Works Festival<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBRWY3WPY6I/AAAAAAAAADY/KmtfCUE7KMA/s1600/May2010_036.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBRWY3WPY6I/AAAAAAAAADY/KmtfCUE7KMA/s320/May2010_036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482101631590818722" /></a><br /><div> Before arriving at a wedding on May 16th of this year, I stumbled upon a gem in Doylestown. This may not be of great surprise to anyone since Doylestown boasts quite a few gems in its vicinity. However, I had never experienced</div><div>the Moravian Tile Works Festival</div><div> (<a href="http://www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/tileworks/Events/TileFestival.aspx">www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/tileworks/Events/TileFestival.aspx</a>). I never knew there were so many ways to palpate the medium of ceramics and tile. The beauty and variety of displays was breath taking and in many instances completely affordable. Some styles featured were gloss, matte, mold, carved, classical themes and modern, as well as religious and distinctly secular; among many others.</div><div>Relatively unknown artists were paired with local stars like, Isaiah Zagar, responsible for Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (the south street and beyond mosaics in Phi</div><div>lly).</div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org">www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org </a>(For a bonus, next time your updating your Netflix queue, check out the documentary Isaiah's son made – In A Dream <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.inadreammovie.com">www.inadreammovie.com</a>)</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBRXivjW7XI/AAAAAAAAADo/Ls3_QlyTqYM/s200/May2010_024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482102900808674674" /><div> I was smitten by the charming and classic Alice In Wonderland depiction by Barbara of B. A. Schmidt Art (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.baschmidtartstiles.com">www.baschmidtartstiles.com</a>), a whimsical Stouffer's Dinner by Ricky Boscarino and Gregory Hicho (website under construction) in metallic tile as well as a compelling religious collection from Sligo Creek Tile Co. (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sligocreek.com/catalogsection.aspx?id=3">www.sligocreek.com/catalogsection.aspx?id=3</a>). </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBRZKP0O99I/AAAAAAAAAEA/gIomNqueMsg/s200/May2010_037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482104678995916754" /><div>For the sake of your domestic art collection and to keep local art alive visit The Moravian Tile Works Festival when it comes around next year. </div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/TBRYRYanLwI/AAAAAAAAADw/DTTa8HvGfm4/s200/May2010_022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482103702051827458" /></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-50771084134358650832010-05-09T10:45:00.000-07:002010-05-09T10:57:16.146-07:00Lana's Story: Losing 260 Pounds And Gaining A New Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S-b16Vj28cI/AAAAAAAAADI/xVSHIGBeDMs/s1600/April2010_091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S-b16Vj28cI/AAAAAAAAADI/xVSHIGBeDMs/s320/April2010_091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469329180056809922" /></a><br /><div> When Lana walked into the Reading Hospital Weight Management Center in June 2007 she weighed 407 pounds. If you ask her how she got to that point she will not tell you a heart wrenching story of a life long struggle with obesity. Lana was an average size into adulthood and only after having her first child did she begin a long battle with weight gain. Slowly, after many years, she reached this weight. </div><div> Lana describes herself as having always been active, even at her heaviest. A busy mother of two, supervisor of a group home for individuals with special needs and all around adventurer, you never once get the impression that she was idly watching the days of her life go by. When she reflects back on all the weight, she wonders how she managed to do half the things she did. This became the problem. Lana noticed she was having to turn down opportunities and events. She had to think ahead about every possible scenario she might incur on any given trip. Her litany of questions included, but were not limited to: What was the seating situation? How much walking was involved? Were there hills? </div><div> She was prematurely aging and fast. At 35 she had gone to Europe and struggled to climb a hill, but made it, none the less. At 40 she new that if she returned she would not be able to make that same trek. She recalls turning down family activities dependent on the location and demands. Lana had all the expected complications that come along with obesity: acid reflux, high blood pressure, bad knees. Her life was being cut short. Having always been active, as her daughters entered into adulthood, she began to dwell on the desire to be the grandmother who took the grandkids out, played along side them and exposed them to new opportunities. The reality was that this opportunity was passing her by as she crescendoed in weight. </div><div> All these things culminated to her decision to pursue Lap Band Surgery. This procedure has been in the U.S. for a shorter period of time than other weight loss surgeries. It's is also statistically less successful. This may in large part be due to the fact that it does not reroute the intestines as some other procedures, but puts a band around a portion of the stomach. Therefore, cravings and appetite still abound creating a difficult environment to turn down the urge to eat as the patient previously did. How it works is the band is filled with saline to tighten around the stomach over time. This limits the amount of food the stomach is able to take in initially. She felt this was a much safer and a less invasive course of action. Lana indicates her research turned up “horror stories” of weight loss surgeries gone wrong when other methods were used. </div><div> From June 2007 to November she ran the gamut of doctors and specialists as she prepared for surgery. She was required to lose 10% of her body weight before even having the band placed (She dropped 50 pounds – over 10%), to have a psyche evaluation, see a dietitian, and countless other appointments. It was rigorous and grueling especially as she reflects upon how difficult it is for someone who struggles with weight issues to go see their doctor. “You don't go unless you have to,” she remarks, “because you know they're going to weigh you and you're going to get the lecture.”</div><div> In November 2008 Lana had Lap Band surgery. The requirements for prep and post op dietary intake are nothing to shirk at. They're specified to each candidate, but generally follow some similar pattern of all liquid diet a number of days before surgery, then the same for a couple to few weeks after. Gradually the patient is able to eat processed foods and eventually a normal diet, according to what their doctor has stipulated for them. </div><div> In Lana's journey she recounts that after the procedure she was ravenous. Her appetite came back full force and it was nearly impossible for her to maintain this stringent diet. She began to gain back some of the weight lost before surgery and grew discouraged. Yet, she persevered, went back for saline fills and began to exercise. Soon she saw improvement.</div><div> In January 2008 she began to exercise. No, she didn't hit the tread mill running, or start biking or kick boxing. She walked. She walked the mall for one hour and in June 2008 began walking the local track. Around April she began to feel a change. In January 2009 she joined the gym and continues work out several times a week, devoting a lot of time to the ellipticals which provides a great cardio workout with less impact on the knees. Lana started at a 2000 calorie diet after the surgery and gradually lowered it to 1800, 1400, 1200 and has now stabilized at a consistent 1500 calorie diet. </div><div> She has successfully lost 260 pounds since her surgery and has maintained her weight with a great amount of hard work and determination. Yet, this accomplishment is not an intangible one. It required several small steps and daily decisions to make the change she wanted in her life. </div><div> I asked what advice she'd offer to anyone considering a similar path. I asked what she wished she new or was different about this journey. She said that everyone must make this decision when they are ready. Sometimes she wonders why she didn't start sooner, but really doesn't believe that she was ready. Also, she says to talk about the surgery. Never keep it a secret. This holds one accountable to the commitment they've made. It's so easy to go back to the same lifestyle, but if others know then one feels more of an obligation to stick to it.</div><div> Counseling is a practice she wishes was required as part of the gauntlet of medical professionals one is required to see before, during and after surgery. She attests to the traumatic psychological changes that are undergone as one sheds hundreds of pounds and discovers a new way of life. It's not uncommon for relationships to fail, and individuals to fall apart when someone undergoes such a dramatic change. One feels differently about themselves and they find that others feel differently about them too. Lana mentions that belief that “you're always the fat girl” as a great obstacle to over come. Another issue is many times obesity is part of a larger struggle with addiction and having surgery just results in dropping one addiction only to pick up another. According to an ABC news report, “About 140,000 people have weight-loss surgery each year, and it is estimated that somewhere between 5 and 30 percent of them pick up new addictive behaviors afterward. Dr. Keith Ablow, a psychiatrist and addiction specialist, said it's common for people to switch from one addiction to another. People who quit drinking may begin smoking, or they might take up some other compulsive behavior like gambling, shopping or exercise.”. (http://<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2210783&amp;page=2">abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2210783&amp;page=2</a>)</div><div> These issues are sobering realities, however, Lana testifies to the positivity of her life altering choices. She finds vast joy in her new lease on life. The possibilities are nearly limitless as she relinquishes the burden of constant analysis over her ability to participate in life itself. No longer does she doubt if she can climb a hill, go out to dinner, or even make it up the stairs in her home. She looks forward to a future of adventures as a grandmother. For Lana, life is about seizing opportunities and about being the best she can be and sharing that experience with others. She doesn't pretend to have it all figured out or think that her way is the best way, but she's an advocate for living the best life possible. She'll continue to make the best decisions for herself everyday. That will, in turn, inspire others to do the same for themselves.</div><div><br /></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-34744511472955608932010-01-24T17:32:00.000-08:002010-01-24T18:36:59.836-08:00The Archive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S10CzBpnNcI/AAAAAAAAADA/h6QBY7KvKT4/s1600-h/Thanksgiving2009_061.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S10CzBpnNcI/AAAAAAAAADA/h6QBY7KvKT4/s320/Thanksgiving2009_061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430499801318241730" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S10BBHy7lkI/AAAAAAAAACw/T5qKP4FQBNk/s1600-h/Thanksgiving2009_061.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I</span></span></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S10BBHy7lkI/AAAAAAAAACw/T5qKP4FQBNk/s1600-h/Thanksgiving2009_061.JPG" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S10BBHy7lkI/AAAAAAAAACw/T5qKP4FQBNk/s1600-h/Thanksgiving2009_061.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">had passed it a million times and beheld the modest sign, "Used books". </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S10BBHy7lkI/AAAAAAAAACw/T5qKP4FQBNk/s1600-h/Thanksgiving2009_061.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">On my endless trips in my car as a social worker visiting families and individuals I'm always keeping an eye out for new places with old treasures. I'm not really an antiques collector, per se. My 700 square foot condo and negative bank account doesn't allow for such frivolities, but I do dapple in an old book or two. I add to my vinyl collection often. I find these are inexpensive ways to enjoy the past.</span></span></a></span></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So, one free day I resolved to go<br /></div><div> inside. The outside appears to be a vast warehouse, void of windows and aesthetics. It deceived me and left me utterly unprepared for what lay inside. I crossed the threshold and was immediately overwhelmed by florescent lights and shelves, upon shelves, upon rooms of books. Straight ahead there was a room with a door closed that displayed a sign with a time limit and age requirement for entering, because it's is a room stacked to the gills with old Playboys and other semi-scandalous magazines. </div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S1z9y3oW8kI/AAAAAAAAACI/wvaerCSWZx8/s320/Thanksgiving2009_055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430494301070488130" /><div>Beyond that a desk of comic books. Beyond that a room full of children's books. On my first trip here I found a children's history book from Abraham Lincoln's administration for $15 - The American Child's Pictorial History of the United States. I held it like a Bible and walked the rest of the warehouse in absolute wonder. </div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S1z9m4zZzcI/AAAAAAAAACA/46tZ0E5ABJk/s320/Thanksgiving2009_052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430494095226817986" /></div><div>I was Alice In Wonderland. (which I very fittingly purchased from there on another visit.) I had fallen down the rabbit hole and did not care if I ever returned. I went through the room with vintage magazines, old documents, prints, people's personal photos, boxes of match stick books, paintings, and God knows what else and arrived in a musical oasis. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S1z-Yxe-1QI/AAAAAAAAACY/LHsAM_R3Voc/s320/Thanksgiving2009_068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430494952255575298" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Boxes of vinyls lined a wall. I breezed by various mini-stores full of nick knacks and toys. I found a Cobra Commander station I swear my brothers had when I was little, among other frightening, hilarious and just plain awesome items. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually I made it back to the checkout and handed over the meager $15 for a piece of history. I met owners Nancy and Dale who were more than friendly and took the time to find out what my interests were. They have since set aside items they think may be of interest to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been back several times and have made this my official stop for all my records. Their reasonable prices and vast treasures continually reel me in. You should absolutely make this a stop if you are ever in Lansdale. I promise you'll not be disappointed in this treasure chest with something for everyone.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S1z-moDlviI/AAAAAAAAACg/mAu7wMaS2WY/s320/Thanksgiving2009_089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430495190242934306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Archive</div><div>725 W. Second Street</div><div>Lansdale, Pa 19446</div><div><br /></div><div>www.thearchivebooksandpaper.com </div><div><br /></div></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-4095371818869244962010-01-23T20:54:00.000-08:002010-01-23T21:34:54.476-08:00Nerd Beer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S1vblkPWdYI/AAAAAAAAABo/rddW0-2o3nk/s1600-h/NewYears2009_198.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/S1vblkPWdYI/AAAAAAAAABo/rddW0-2o3nk/s320/NewYears2009_198.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430175214154970498" /></a><br />On an inauspicious Saturday night with little money and no plans, my husband and I hopped into our car went for mexican food and then began a quest. He had come home earlier that week and shared with me a fascinating article he'd read in the UPenn Gazette about McGovern, the director of UPenn's Bio molecular Laboratory, and Calagione, the founder of Dogfish Head Brewery coming together to brew "Ancient Ales". <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">McGovern, the scientific director of the Bio molecular Archaeology Laboratory for Cuisine, Fermented Beverages, and Health at the Penn Museum, has spent the last two decades on the trail of ancient wines and beers. Scraping the gunk out of old cauldrons and pottery sherd's, he has found evidence of alcoholic beverages as far apart in space and time as Iron Age Turkey and Neolithic China. Some of his discoveries have been surprising. Some have been bizarre. Using tools like mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, McGovern has deciphered, with unprecedented exactitude, the ingredients of fermented beverages brewed as far back as 9,000 years ago. </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />Calagione has helped him put some of that evidence to a literal taste-test. Together they have reverse-engineered four archaic grogs. Each started out as an academic exercise, but the project has taken on a commercial life of its own. Two have won medals at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. One, a mixed wine/beer/mead concoction reconstructed from McGovern’s analysis of a drinking set buried with the legendary King Midas circa 700 B.C., has won more awards than anything else Dogfish Head makes. "</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- UPenn Gazette</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Read the full article at:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0110/feature1_1.html<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That's right! An archaeologist has just spent part of his career analyzing ancient ruins to figure out what their poison was. Then a local brewer (Dogfish calls Milton Delaware home) says, "Hey, how about I just take those findings and turn it into some tasty concoctions so people can experience what ancient civilizations experienced." Say no more! I'm sold! It's really a nerd meets libation love story and I fell in love. So, archaeologist scrapes ancient barrels. Brewer brews concoctions and on a cold January night a couple of enthusiasts hop into a car with a mission. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">First we went to a local store that sells beer. No go. Then we went to a large beer distributor, but to no avail. Finally we went to the Blue Dog Cafe in Valley Forge Road in Lansdale. This is a bar I frequent to grab a stout and edit my photos in peace on Monday nights. So, I was pleased to find they did not disappoint. They hosted a variety of the beers mentioned in the article at varying, but reasonable prices. We assembled a six pack and made our way back home.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We had agreed that we were extremely interested in "The Midas Touch" as it infused elements of wine and beer together. Seeing as we both love wine and beer, but rarely drink any hard liquor, this sounded brilliant to us. Perhaps our "kill two birds with one stone", is over kill, but never the less, we agreed to snag a few of these for our six pack.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have to say The Midas Tough is gold! The flavors are unique and distinct, but not over powering. One can taste the fruity influences. However, they do not subtract from the dominating hops flavor. I recommend any beer, wine or cultural enthusiast hurry out and snag a brew or two before they're gone. If you decide you can't get enough then certainly visit the brewery, which is practically in your back yard if you live in the tri-state area. (I mean, it's Delaware. How long can it take to get to any point in that state? P.S. No sales tax, score!) I plan to go on a tour, myself in the near future. Maybe I'll see you there and we can share a pint together.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;font-size:14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">www.dogfish.com</span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-89916040629726547552009-10-13T19:49:00.000-07:002009-10-13T20:43:05.642-07:009:30 Club: Red Cortez/The Henry Clay People/Airborne Toxic Event Show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://api.ning.com/files/fvQu48uMxKcbKNCXHYv8T4gSevJlDY*98S8NIie0YNv6Pga*lRQJQ32fWkJeYhe4aTBbbj66ergR2xcNDGlDKiD2GhkeEID8/RedCortezHandsToTheWallartwork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1400px; height: 1400px;" src="http://api.ning.com/files/fvQu48uMxKcbKNCXHYv8T4gSevJlDY*98S8NIie0YNv6Pga*lRQJQ32fWkJeYhe4aTBbbj66ergR2xcNDGlDKiD2GhkeEID8/RedCortezHandsToTheWallartwork.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://awmusic.ca/1/photos/TATE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 471px; height: 500px;" src="http://awmusic.ca/1/photos/TATE.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>*<div>For the first time, on a chilly monday night, I made a trek from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. for the sole purpose of seeing The Airborne Toxic Event at the 9:30 club. I was not disappointed. The 9:30 club has a bit of a reputation on the eastern seaboard and I wanted to experience this for myself. Philadelphians can think, "The TLA" only bigger, nicer and all ages all the time. I recommend anyone going in to D.C. for a show there to catch the metro at your nearest stop. A day pass weighs in at less than $8 and all trains run fairly late making it a substantially less painful trip for those travelers who are faint at heart with parking. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the show, I was left with the distinct impression that the members of Red Cortez, The Henry Clay People and Airborne were conducting seances in between sets, conjuring up the ghosts of rock and roll greats like Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jim Morrison among others. This claim is substantiated in the unreasonably long gaps between acts, but the proof lay in each amazing set which makes the gaps completely acceptable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Red Cortez reminded me that most brilliant men are also mad men and with that when I woke the morning after the show, I rolled out of my bed and bought their ep immediately. I was not disappointed. I will be back for more and if you have not already, then you should get a first taste. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Henry Clay People made me feel that I had been transported to a garage - any garage - and they had been transported to 10 or 15 years prior, when they were thirteen. With every over-pronounced lyrical phrase and every exaggerated beat they renewed the truth that is often long forgotten at shows: Music is fun - a truth often abandoned to loftier concepts like, music is edgy or cool or... existential (?). No. When you were rocking out with your friends practicing your head banging, stage diving, catapult off the amp, mid solo jump into a split, music was fun. It's nothing short of amazing that these guys have held onto such innocence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Airborne puts on a hell of a show. You can't help but truly feel each member is putting his and her heart and soul into each song. They BELIEVE in these songs. They live each song every time they perform them. They're unafraid to revel in the heart of old rock and roll and reach out into the unknown of the future, unconcerned with genre or labels they play what they feel and what they know. The bassist takes a bow across the strings an electric bass in a duo with the violinist. The guitarist and violinist duel with one another. They too summon the spirits of dead rock gods and ones yet to come. </div><div><br /></div><div> In the acoustic set including their first song they ever wrote and performed, "Wishing Well", listeners could see that the future is here, mingled somewhere in the echos of the past voiced through these new, weary travelers headed toward dark ambiguity of what lies musically ahead. Wherever they end up, one thing is for sure, I will go there with them</div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-42534816480085516442009-10-04T07:52:00.000-07:002009-10-04T08:11:47.050-07:00Purple Stride at Tyler State Park November 7thMy father was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer one year ago this month and he passed away in January of this year. Pancreatic Cancer is such an excruciating and cruel cancer that in many ways we thanked God for the brevity (and believe me, 3 months is not brief when you're living with this level of pain) of his time spent carrying it. It is such a fierce contender that it is normally not discovered until it has already metastasized to other major organs. By then it is too late. <div><br /></div><div>The pain is largely unmanageable. There are narcotics and drugs, but they never really seem to offer little more than a slight dulling of the pain that is insurmountable - pain so great that you couldn't put a name to it if you wanted to. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have loved and lost someone with this cancer then you know exactly what I'm talking about. Perhaps it wasn't Pancreatic Cancer. Perhaps it was some other monstrous cancer. Either way, you know the pain of loss. It can be somewhat cathartic to get out in nature and walk it out or run it out. So why not do it with us at the Purple Stride in beautiful Tyler State Park. My husband, mom and I would love to see you there and you can even join our team if you'd like. If you can't be there in body, maybe you could be there in spirit. Send your love and prayers and if you can, donate on our donation page at this link. Just hop on board the team at the registration page if you'd like. (see link below) Our team name is "Love". </div><div><br /></div><div>http://<a href="http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=306916&amp;lis=0&amp;kntae306916=D470794486A5407B83B0121A20BFB22E">www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=306916&amp;lis=0&amp;kntae306916=D470794486A5407B83B0121A20BFB22E<br /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's VERY likely that after we do this walk/run we'll be using the awesome Frisbee Golf course at Tyler to play a round. Let us know if you want in on this too. You know you do! </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to hear from you soon and see you there!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tyler State Park Link:</div><div><a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/tyler.aspx">http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/tyler.aspx</a><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951731585038809696.post-43160418439538688552009-10-03T19:59:00.000-07:002009-10-03T20:58:53.273-07:00Linda Wink's Antiques to Retro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQ6imXBnI/AAAAAAAAABg/3Hzvx9Xfu4s/s1600-h/Honduras2009day7_189.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQ6imXBnI/AAAAAAAAABg/3Hzvx9Xfu4s/s400/Honduras2009day7_189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388575552054953586" /></a>"Where's my pink hat?" Linda says, searching the store front. Julia and Mare chimed in, "Oh! The one with the bird?". "I love that one." Julia models a 40's silk dress that is modest in style, sensual in cut and so distinctly feminine that one doesn't even notice that the tiny print of the fabric is one of foreign cultures waging a war on horse back with one another. It is complete with spears and thick forests. Mare wears an early 30's wedding dress that Linda has just procured. Once a week the girls come in to try on these new purchases so Linda can size up what alterations need to be made. The models make the clothes come to life. What looks good on a hanger, looks amazing on these vivacious girls. Wink emerges from her nook with a pink hat with veil in front and dove perched on top. <div><br /></div><div>Linda Wink is owner and curator (of sorts) for her store, Linda Wink's Antiques to Retro. She is fun, vibrant and to walk through her door one will find this persona contagious. Her store in Willow Grove is a step back in time and haven for every antiquer, rockabilly, fashionista, and yes, even historian. Trying on any article of clothing one can not help but feel she or he is playing the part in some Marlon Brando, James Dean, Grace Kelly, or Ginger Rogers film. </div><div>So it was on this day that I found myself in her store seriously debating about purchasing the candy striper uniform that was a mere $20. I thought, "This dress would look great on me! A white tank underneath and, oh, it has pockets too.". Linda had to explain to me that this was uniform dawned by nurses aids in the 50's (the equivalent of a CNA now). I held the dress up to myself and imagined a young girl in the fifties scurrying around a hospital filling water pitchers and bringing clean linens. This dress had another life prior to myself and prior to this store and now it could have a completely different identity in my closet. Linda proudly exclaimed, "I was a candy striper." I smiled. There was that contagious enthusiasm again. I imagined her scurrying around a hospital...</div><div>It's difficult not to get lost in this world of possibility and imagination. To put on a hat, try on a pair of shoes, pin a broach, is to dress a part - almost costume one's self. It is to preserve a little piece of history and display it - to be the wall on which a piece of art is hung. </div><div>In this day and age of mass production of the exact same pieces of clothing, made by underpaid hands in foreign countries, it's nice to find something unique. You'll find just that at Linda Wink's. </div><div><a href="http://www.badgirlvintage.com/">http://www.badgirlvintage.com/</a></div><div>See the complete photo shoot at my flickr page:</div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.flickr.com/photos/kristenlove"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristenlove">www.flickr.com/photos/kristenlove</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQ6OB5keI/AAAAAAAAABY/8vD5V8PTNZc/s1600-h/Honduras2009day7_116.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQ6OB5keI/AAAAAAAAABY/8vD5V8PTNZc/s400/Honduras2009day7_116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388575546533319138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQgPJaW5I/AAAAAAAAABQ/35jpauqQrqw/s1600-h/Honduras2009day7_287.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQgPJaW5I/AAAAAAAAABQ/35jpauqQrqw/s400/Honduras2009day7_287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388575100156664722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQfpTn0oI/AAAAAAAAABI/nz3Bvlp0E8Q/s1600-h/Honduras2009day7_274.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQfpTn0oI/AAAAAAAAABI/nz3Bvlp0E8Q/s400/Honduras2009day7_274.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388575089998942850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQfBPbIuI/AAAAAAAAABA/e6mtu7Shkh4/s1600-h/Honduras2009day7_271.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQfBPbIuI/AAAAAAAAABA/e6mtu7Shkh4/s400/Honduras2009day7_271.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388575079243916002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQexfOleI/AAAAAAAAAA4/fq2uvZFQZxk/s1600-h/Honduras2009day7_126.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iaHSDQPxcQ8/SsgQexfOleI/AAAAAAAAAA4/fq2uvZFQZxk/s400/Honduras2009day7_126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388575075015235042" /></a><br /></div>Kristen Kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671307467677321819noreply@blogger.com1